Definition
tertials
noun
- the flight feathers attached to the innermost part of a bird's wing
Usage: ornithology
Examples
- The ornithologist examined the bird's tertials to help identify the species.
- During molting season, the duck's tertials were replaced with fresh feathers.
- The tertials help provide lift and control during flight.
- Birdwatchers often look at the pattern of tertials for field identification.
- The hawk's tertials showed distinctive markings that confirmed its age.
- Damaged tertials can affect a bird's ability to fly efficiently.